Game Boy (all) - Game 'locks up', picture
is scrambled or frozen, etc.

Important Note: Because of the technical differences between
the Game Boy Advance/Game Boy Advance SP and other Game Boy systems,
a few two player games may not work properly. Also, a few older
Game Boy games may not function properly on the Game Boy Advance
or Game Boy Advance SP, causing display or sound problems. If all
of your other games work properly, please contact the game's manufacturer
for more information before having your system repaired.

Troubleshooting Steps (all games):

Make sure you are using only licensed accessories with your system. Unlicensed products are not fully compatible with Nintendo systems, and may not work correctly.

Turn the power off on your system and then firmly re-insert
the Game Pak in to the Game Pak slot with the label facing away
from the unit. Be sure the Game Pak is fully inserted.
You will know it is fully inserted when you hear it click in place.

Make sure the power switch can slide fully to the "on"
position.

For the original Game Boy and Game Boy Pocket, adjust the contrast
knob on the side of the unit. For the Game Boy micro, hold the L Button while pressing the Volume Up/Down to adjust the screen brighness (more).

Try a different game pak. This helps determine if the problem
is with all games, indicating the Game Boy unit may be the problem
and not the game pak.

Try a new set of batteries and make sure the batteries are inserted
according to the diagram inside of the battery compartment. For
the Game Boy Advance SP, and the Game Boy micro, make sure the battery
is fully charged.

Additional steps for multiplayer games:

Make sure you are using the correct Game Link Cable. Refer to the Link Cable chart for information on the proper Link Cable to use for each situation. Once you have verified you are using the correct cable, turn the power off, re-connect the cable, and try playing the game in two player mode again.

Make sure you have the same game in each system. Please Note: for some Game Boy Advance titles, only one copy of the game is necessary. Please refer to your instruction manual.

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your system does not work properly, your system will need repair or replacement. Due to the age of the system, we no longer offer factory repairs directly from Nintendo. Please click here to find out what options are available for repair or replacement of your product.